Soul Diving

Wheeeeeeeew, what a weekend.

Currently, I am sitting in the comfort of my apartment that is mostly clean, listening to Damien Rice, AC on, full belly, and a head full of who even knows. Mostly memories.

Well this weekend we went to the Oita "waterslides", which were more of waterfalls. It was absolutely gorgeous driving up to the falls, and it just so happened we were in the world's largest volcano caldera. We were surrounded on all sides by the outer crust of the mountain, and vegetation so green you could almost taste it. Parts of the mountain looked as if the green had been peeled away, revealing the rocky, brown mountain underneath it. As we wound up the curvy mountain roads and into the dense forest I could not help but try to wrap my mind around the fact that I am basically living in a tropical jungle. It was just one of those days where I had to take a look around and think, "Wow, I am LIVING in Japan. Japan". I feel it more those days than any as we make our way to the beauty Kumamoto has to offer. I try to believe that it is real and I am here as the moist air sinks in my skin and the air is filled with the sound of cicadas and crickets, making it sound just that much more like the jungle.

Although it took a while to get to the falls, it was every bit worth the drive. Not only were the falls breath taking, but the forest around it was stunning. We were surrounded on all sides by giant trees and the sound of the water and I could not have felt more at peace. As we climbed up to the top part by the falls I felt like I was somewhere I had visited only in my imagination time and time again. But this time it couldn't get more real. We climbed up the slick rocks to the highest part next to the falls where the only way to get to the water was to jump off the rock. It was probably about 25 feet tall and I was filled with memories of cliff jumping in Hawaii and the extreme rush and exhilaration I felt from jumping off a cliff into the ocean. We threw our rented mats into the water below us and soon followed them in as fellow bystanders cheered us on. The water was cold but refreshing and I immediately felt at home. I stayed in the water above the falls swimming around and exploring for a long time, I could have stayed all day. I climbed up a little ways on the rock wall underneath the giant falls and jumped back in, and then I decided it was time to ride the mat down the smaller falls. After watching some people I tried myself--the trick was to keep your feet up and hold onto your mat for dear life. So that is what I did and somehow I made it to the bottom in one piece. It was amazing so of course I had to do it again.

The second time down I wasn't so lucky. I lost control after I flew over a big jump and fell back and landed straight on my tailbone as I proceeded to fly down the rocks the rest of the way on my back. I laid in a small pool of water before getting up, knowing the rocks were against me. The rocks at the bottom are covered with moss so even when you know you need to be careful, you will still fall. It's all in slow motion too, so as I stood up I could fell myself falling again, but there was nothing to grab onto so you just have to go down hoping you will land softly. Which usually isn't the case, but at that point there is nothing you can do by laugh it off. Needless to say I am a bit bruised, but ok! I have a sore tailbone, but I sure don't regret it.

After a fun (and painful) day at the slides a group of us went into a small, traditional restaurant where we enjoyed some delicious Japanese food cooked by four old ladies as we sat on tatami and drank tea. After we ate we of course had to stop by the next small shop to get ice cream. We then drove to an onsen, making our way back down the mountain. This onsen was a little different than the other ones we've been to, it was all natural, so the spings were outside and there was no bathing before going in. It was really cool because the river ran right by them and you could go for a dip in the river if you were getting too hot. Which is exactly what I did multiple times, sometimes even spotting the boys making their way up the river as well. When that happened we would sort of wave while we tired to hide. While we were soaking the the relaxing water, it began to rain and it gave a very calming feeling. Listening to the river as we soaked in hot water in the middle of a forest as rain sprinkled on our heads was just what I needed after a day of swimming in waterfalls.

After that we made our way back to civilization only after almost hitting a wild boar that ran in front of Talia's car. Of course we ventured to no other than KFC for dinner. Not only did they have delicious chicken, but they also had an English speaking worker and the nicest bathrooms I had seen all day! After almost four hours of travelling both ways I was ready for bed when I finally got home. But not before a Skype date with my buddy Lauren! So that was really good.

Today I got up and did some more cleaning and then met the other ALTs so we could go to a traditional Japanese theatre or "The World of No and Kyougen". We watched a show about two young apprentices, Taro and Jiro who loved drinking sake so much that they got in trouble by their master for it. This piece was comical and although I didn't understand what they were saying, I could figure most of it out since they gave us a general overview in English beforehand. The second show of "No" was a little bit slower paced about a lady who danced with her "Hagoromo" or shawl for about 45 min. It was a bunch of dressed up guys singing and banging on drums with painfully slow movements. I found this show a good time to catch up on some much needed sleep. After the performance, a group of us went to 'Joyfull' to get a Denny's style Japanese dunch (dinner/lunch. Duh). I got a burger only I think it had mayo under the cheese and there was no bun in sight. It was good though and it was nice to be able to relax and chat with friends.

I then rode my bike home when intentions of going shopping, but instead got sucked in by the internet so then stayed in after that since it is dark. And when it's dark there might be giant bugs lurking. Actually, the good news is that I think I am ok with the bugs at night outside now! I have been able to ride my bike home after social gatherings at night with no issues, so hopefully that issue is solved.

This week is going to be a long one I have a feeling, but I have a Matsubase dinner Thursday and then our 'gun' dinner on Friday night in the city. So let's hope that gets me through a painful week of broken English and confusing Japanese. I need to plan a lesson for tomorrow actually so I should get on that.

Until next time, carry on good people of the world. Carry on.